Brands: Combatant Gentlemen Pink And White Windowpane Semi Spread Collar Shirt

Combatant Gentlemen is a relatively new online menswear store looking to jostle its way in the fast and ever growing space of online menswear retailers. Established in 2012 it can still be referred to as new because the online menswear business is very fickle and unpredictable. Couple that with sensitive and choosy customers then the recipe to success and longevity can become quite elusive. For a two years old business, however, I'd say it's making quite an impact on the online community especially when taking into account all the reviews one comes across all over the internet. A few months ago I received an email from Combatant Gentlemen offering me a few items from their online store. I was offered a suit, shirt, tie and knitwear. I had to weigh the pros and cons of receiving items from an international company and how this would affect my pocket because being in South Africa automatically places me at somewhat of a disadvantage because of the disparity with the foreign exchange rate. After weighing up my options this became an offer I could and would not pass up.

When it came to the choice of shirt I settled on the pink and white windowpane shirt with a semi-spread collar. Before one criticises Combatant Gentlemen for being newbies and thus inexperienced in the game, I have to say that their clothes are quality items that look and feel good. Give or take a few minor glitches in terms of finishing on some garments, I say give them a try.

I was looking for a shirt that I don't have in my closet as well as something that is compatible with all four seasons. And I think this mini windowpane shirt is just that. Lately it's on heavy rotation complementing business and business casual looks. I've seen pink and white gingham, plaid, box plaid, etc, but it's the first time I've come across a pink and white windowpane check and once I saw it I was settled and sold on it. One thing about Combatant Gentlemen is that their shirt selection is quite extensive and one is spoiled for choice, the part where they rein in this vastness is in the shirt styles and collars. This is a great start for them because I think it helps the online customer to familiarise himself with what is on offer and not get too confused by a litany of styles.

Combatant Gentlemen sells off-the-rack garments, so it means you have to be very sure of your measurements before placing an order. Sizes are offered in centimetres, however, the availability of a sizing guide makes it easier for gents to locate their size. This shirt is made of wrinkle resistant 100% cotton twill. It is indeed wrinkle resistant, not in the literal sense of the word, but even after being folded you can get away with no ironing at all as wrinkling and creasing are minimal and almost invisible. More appealing details are the double button cuffs and the removable collar stays. It feels really smooth to the touch and since I requested a size regular, it covers the skirt. The only drawback could be in the fact that it was awfully short in the arms and this can be attributed to the wrong size from me and a disproportionate body.

Combatant Gentlemen is ideal for gents who have a desire to dress well but don't have the big budget. This particular shirt is available for US$40 and this places this company at an advantage even though it finds itself in competition against the likes of H&M. Combatant Gentlemen will definitely appeal to gents who want to start building a wardrobe with quality items and pricing on their side. They definitely receive my stamp of approval.



PG: Man to man, generation to generation.